Commems Collection Classic: Quick Bits #58 - Premature Claims Of Being The Last

While conducting some research in old newspapers, I came across the following news item in the Waterbury Evening Democrat in 1935:

Rhode Island may get the honor of having the last commemorative coin issued in its behalf by the Treasury Department. Some time ago a measure was passed eliminating all such future issues of coins, but legislators of Little Rhody believe that they have secured the necessary permission for one that will end the long series of special coins. It will be issued next year.

The measure in question was the bill introduced in the Senate that called for the striking of commemorative medals vs. commemorative coins. The bill was passed in the Senate, but died for lack of action in the House. As we know, US commemorative coins were issued in significant numbers post-1935, so no "honor" was accorded to "Little Rhody" for having the last commemorative half dollar.

1936 Rhode Island Tercentenary Half Dollar


If you'd like to read more about the attempt to replace US commemorative coins with Mint-struck commemorative medals, see my earlier post:

- Medals vs. Coins

For more of my Quick Bits posts, and my other posts about commemorative coins and medals, see: Commems Collection.